2009 Salary Survey results revealed

Welcome to the results of the Arabian Business Salary Survey 2009, a comprehensive guide to how much employees working in the Gulf region are being paid, according to industry, location and nationality.

Unlike last year's poll, which took place during a boom time for most companies and staff in the region, this year's questions - answered by more than 3,000 respondents during January - were posed at a time when firms were cutting back on their workforces and budgets... and it shows.

Analysis of our data shows it doesn't matter how much you earn or how senior your role is, there are no longer any guarantees about job security in the region.

A telling statistic reveals that four out of the top 10 earners who completed our survey - all on substantial six-figure monthly salaries (in dollars) - admitted they were anxious about their job prospects.

We can tell you what the average monthly salary is (including all commission, bonuses and allowances) is across the GCC, we can tell you which the best paid industries are and we can reveal that most of you do not expect to receive a pay rise during the next six months - a clear indication that many expect the impact of the global economic crisis to continue.

Our data also reveals where the highest and lowest paid Gulf employees are based and where the biggest pay rises are expected during 2009.

The survey results also highlight which industry has the highest level of anxiety over job security and where employees are most confident about their future prospects.

I think huge corporations took advantage of laying off to hire new employees at a lower salary. In this day and age of high cost of living, how can an employer expect to hire someone for a lower salary - they know that people are desperate for jobs. How ruthless to take advantage of a situation. As they say the greedy get greedier. At this rate the US will never rise again.

Dear Uzair, I have read your publication very carefully which can be very good for anyone looking for a job in GCC. Can you please send me Complete Survey with facts & figures with respect to industry. I am planning to get a job in UAE or Saudi having 12 years of experience in Sales / FMCG.